Learning Abroad in Family Social Science
“Studying and learning in an international setting transforms students into citizens of the world.” —William Goodman, Undergraduate Program Chair
Study Abroad Process
This is the basic process you'll complete in order to study abroad. The order in which you do things is somewhat flexible.
Academic Planning
Review the following suggestions from the Family Social Science program before beginning your study abroad research.
You are encouraged to incorporate study abroad into your academic career while still graduating in four years. In order to take courses in your major you need to plan ahead. Here are some guidelines that will be helpful.
There are many valuable courses and internships available for study abroad in English and other languages. If you are interested in an experience in a country where courses are offered in another language be sure to plan to do an intensive language study abroad program or take the appropriate language classes. It will open up more opportunities and make the experience richer.
Best time to go abroad
- Any time with careful planning.
- Any Summer or May Session.
Non Family Social Science course requirements
- You may take any and all liberal education requirements through study abroad.
Internships
- All internships must be approved by the student’s academic adviser in order to use them to fulfill requirements. This should be done during the academic planning process prior to the study abroad experience.
Core major courses
- Students can take any major course abroad. The academic adviser will be able to approve the courses prior to departure. Please work with your academic adviser to fill out the Academic Planning Study Abroad (APSA) form.
Upon return from study abroad
- Be sure to meet with your academic adviser to complete the process for using your credit from abroad for major/minor requirements
Remember
- It is always valuable to learn a language or do a research project abroad.
Programs
Africa and the Middle East
Kenya
Minnesota Studies in International Development (MSID)
- Program focuses on international development in the context of Kenya through coursework in the first half of the semester and an internship in the latter half
- Past internship placements include social work agencies, youth projects, women’s groups, orphanages, health clinics, community centers, and many more.
Senegal
Minnesota Studies in International Development (MSID)
- Program focuses on international development in the context of Senegal through coursework in the first half of the semester and an internship in the latter half
- Past internship placements include social work agencies, youth projects, women’s groups, orphanages, health clinics, community centers, and many more.
South Africa
University of Stellenbosch (available through CIEE South Africa and Interstudy South Africa)
- The department of Sociology and Social Anthropology and Psychology offers courses that may be a good fit for Family Social Science students
- A traditionally Afrikaans-speaking university with an increasingly wider selection of courses in English.
- Learn how the post-apartheid transition to a multi-racial democracy has affected families
Tunisia
SIT Tunisia- Emerging Identities in North Africa
- Study how western-style capitalism, Maghreb relations in North Africa, local and national politics, and engagement with Europe are shaping identity in Tunisia
- Particular focus on youth identity and issues of unemployment, Islam, emigration, political participation, and hip hop culture
- An independent study project (ISP) gives students the opportunity to explore issues related to youth, families, or other areas of interest
Americas
Argentina
Language & Culture in Buenos Aires
- Study in Buenos Aires, the "Paris of the Americas"
- Learn or improve your Spanish with intensive language courses
- A semester-based service-learning opportunity is available through non-governmental organizations and other community service organizations devoted to helping children and adults who do not have access to basic rights such as education, health, or a home
- Take a variety of courses in English
Dominican Republic
Latin American Health, Nutrition & Environmental Issues in the Dominican Republic (Available through CIC Dominican Republic)
- Study health and nutrition in Latin America on this Summer Session or Fall Semester program
- Learn about the challenges families face in a “developing” country and visit some organizations working to help local communities
Ecuador
Minnesota Studies in International Development (MSID)
- Program focuses on international development in the context of Ecuador through coursework in the first half of the semester and an internship in the latter half
- Past internship placements include social work agencies, youth projects, women’s groups, orphanages, health clinics, community centers, and many more.
Asia and Oceania
Australia
- Unique School of Social Work and Community Welfare offers a diversity of courses as well as the departments of Sociology, Psychology, and Anthropology
- Well known for its program in Indigenous Australian Studies whose courses offer opportunity for a comparative perspective with the indigenous populations in the U.S
- Offers a 6 credit professional internship placement along with coursework in the humanities, social sciences, and business
- Students can get experience working with a variety of types of families, such as aboriginal families or economically poor families.
University of Queensland, Brisbane (available through Arcadia Australia, AustraLearn Australia, and IFSA-Butler Australia)
- School of Social Sciences provides a variety of courses that are of interest to Family Social Science students
- Courses listed under Arts such as Anthropology and regional specializations such as Asian Studies or Australian Studies may also be relevant
India
Minnesota Studies in International Development (MSID)
- Program focuses on international development in the context of India through coursework in the first half of the semester and an internship in the latter half
- Past internship placements include social work agencies, youth projects, women’s groups, orphanages, health clinics, community centers, and many more.
Europe
Balkans
SIT Serbia, Bosnia, and Kosovo: Peace and Conflict Studies in the Balkans
- Based in Serbia, this program looks at the political, social, and economic transition of a region emerging from conflict
- An independent study project (ISP) gives students the opportunity to explore a particular area of interest related to families in post-conflict regions
Austria
- Take psychology courses while studying German language and area studies
- Instruction mostly in English. Two years of German required for courses taught in German.
Denmark
Danish Institute for Study Abroad (DIS)- Child Diversity & Development
- Learn how the recent rise in immigrants has affected the Danish idea of family and social services for families; Instruction is in English
- Complete a practicum in a preschool to learn Danish early childhood education practices
Ireland
University College of Cork (available through Arcadia Ireland)
- Ireland’s leading research institution and offers innovative, research-led curriculum, taught by world class academics
- Faculty of Arts offers many relevant courses such as Youth and Community Work, Social Work, Sociology, Applied Psychology, and Social Policy
Malta
University of Malta (available through ISEP Direct Malta)
- Offers courses in sociology that focus on family such as Sociology of Family Life, Marriage, Kinship and the Family, and The Social Process of Aging in Contemporary Societies
- Other courses available in Research Methods, Economics, and regional studies including Middle East and North African studies and courses about Malta
Norway
Scandinavian Urban Studies Term (HECUA)
- Explore how the welfare state works in the context of a social democracy facing challenges posed by immigration
- Students can study the new challenges faced by families in Norway and see what the socialist government is doing to confront the issues
United Kingdom
Middlesex University, London (available through IFSA-Butler England)
- Choose from courses in sociology and social work that have an emphasis on family
- Course examples include Sociology of the Family and Intimate Relations, Group and Family Work, and Gender, Family, Sex, Society and Politics
Northern Ireland: Democracy & Social Change (HECUA)
- Provides a background on the historical, political and religious roots of conflict as well as the prospects for peace and the progress being made
- Includes a seven-week internship that can explore areas such as working with families in stress, single parents, or economically poor families
- Offers a 6 credit professional internship placement along with coursework in the humanities, social sciences, and business
- Past placements include a youth jobs center, a women’s center, an alternative medicine clinic, and many other opportunities to work directly with families.
University of Nottingham (available through Arcadia England and IFSA-Butler England)
- Find interesting course offerings in the Sociology & Social Policy and Education units
- Well-known for its social sciences, this institution would be a particularly good match for students with concentrations in economics or mental health
Additional Options to Consider
Work, Intern, and Volunteer (WIV) Abroad Programs (non-credit)
- Interested in work, intern, and volunteer opportunities abroad? Thinking about teaching English overseas? To explore your options view the online WIV or teaching English first step modules
Student Project for Amity Among Nations (SPAN)
- Design and conduct an independent research project in one of four countries. Sites vary each year. Spend the year preparing your project at the University of Minnesota, collect information on your summer abroad, then complete your thesis upon return
Student Experiences
Kristi V. Studies Development in Kenya
- On the MSID program, Kristi studied development in Nairobi and interned in rural Kisumu with an organization that educates Kenyans on health issues.
Emily S. Studies and Interns in London
- Emily interned with a non-profit family center in London while taking courses. She learned about her field and developed skills in working with homeless and refugee families.
Visit the Learning Abroad Center's Student Experiences web page for details on other students' experiences studying abroad.
